Mesh Deployment Devices and Kits

ABSTRACT

A mesh deployment device having separate mesh deployment and actuation units is provided. A mesh deployment device includes an actuation unit and a mesh deployment unit configured to be releasably secured to the actuation unit. When the mesh deployment unit is secured to the actuation unit, a first actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from an expanded condition to a collapsed condition and a second actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deployment unit from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The mesh deployment device may further include a mesh releasably secured to the mesh deployment unit. A third actuation of the actuation unit may release the mesh from the mesh deployment unit. Also provided is a kit including multiple mesh deployment units.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to each ofU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/025,686, filed on Jul. 17,2014, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/025,674, filed on Jul.17, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/025,663, filed onJul. 17, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/882,914, filedon Sep. 26, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/882,907,filed on Sep. 26, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/882,883, filed on Sep. 26, 2013, the entire content of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to mesh deployment devices and kits, andmore particularly, to a mesh deployment device having separate actuationand mesh deployment units available in kits.

Background of Related Art

Surgery often requires access to internal tissue through open surgicalprocedures or endoscopic surgical procedures. As used herein, the term“endoscopic” refers to all types of minimally invasive surgicalprocedures including laparoscopic, arthroscopic, natural orificeintraluminal, and natural orifice transluminal procedures. Endoscopicsurgery has numerous advantages compared to traditional open surgicalprocedures, including reduced scarring. Endoscopic surgery is oftenperformed in an insufflatory fluid present within the body cavity, suchas carbon dioxide or saline, to provide adequate space to perform theintended surgical procedures. The insufflated cavity is generally underpressure and is sometimes referred to as being in a state ofpneumoperitoneum. Surgical access devices are often used to facilitatesurgical manipulation of internal tissue while maintainingpneumoperitoneum. For example, trocars are often used to provide a portthrough which endoscopic surgical instruments are passed. Trocarsgenerally have an instrument seal, which prevents the insufflatory fluidfrom escaping while an instrument is positioned in the trocar.Alternatively, an instrument may be inserted directly through anopening, i.e., incision, in tissue into the body cavity.

Surgical instruments for use in deploying mesh endoscopically are known.Some embodiments include an expandable frame attached to an elongatedbody portion. A mesh is attached to the frame when the frame is in anexpanded condition. Collapsing of the frame allows the frame and themesh to be inserted through an access port or other opening in tissue toposition the mesh within a body cavity.

Some mesh deployment devices are provided to the clinician with the meshpre-attached to the deployment device for convenience of the clinicianand to prevent any damage that might occur to the mesh during attachmentby the clinician. The deployment devices with the pre-attached mesh arethen either shipped with the frame in an open condition, at increasedshipping costs, or shipped with the frame collapsed, potentiallycompromising the integrity of the mesh, as the mesh may become creasedor otherwise deformed. Further, the mesh deployment devices providedwith the mesh pre-attached are typically intended for a single use.

Therefore it would be beneficial to provide a mesh deployment devicehaving separate mesh deployment and actuation units. It would be furtherbeneficial if the actuation unit is configured to be reusable.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a mesh deployment device having separate mesh deploymentand actuation units is provided. A mesh deployment device includes anactuation unit and a mesh deployment unit configured to be releasablysecured to the actuation unit. When the mesh deployment unit is securedto the actuation unit, a first actuation of the actuation unit moves themesh deployment unit from an expanded condition to a collapsed conditionand a second actuation of the actuation unit moves the mesh deploymentunit from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The meshdeployment device may further include a mesh releasably secured to themesh deployment unit. A third actuation of the actuation unit mayrelease the mesh from the mesh deployment unit.

In some embodiments, the actuation unit includes a base assembly havinga housing and a locking member pivotally supported within the housing.The locking member may be pivotable between a first position configuredto prevent the third actuation of the actuation unit and a secondposition configured to permit the third actuation of the actuation unit.The actuation unit may include an articulation assembly operablyconnected to the base assembly. The articulation assembly may include anarticulation housing, an articulation rod operably extending from withinthe articulation housing, and an articulation link operably connected tothe articulation rod. Rotation of the articulation housing relative tothe base assembly may cause longitudinal translation of the articulationrod and articulation link. The articulation assembly may further includean articulation ratchet having at least one protrusion and thearticulation housing may include a geared portion. Engagement of the atleast one protrusion with the geared portion may provide at least one ofa tactile indication and an audible indication to the user of rotationof the articulation housing.

The actuation unit may include a deployment assembly having a deploymenthandle operably connected to the base assembly. The first actuation ofthe actuation unit may include movement of the deployment handle a firstdistance in the distal direction relative to the base assembly to movethe mesh deployment unit from the expanded condition to the collapsedcondition and the second actuation of the actuation unit may includemovement of the deployment handle the first distance in a proximaldirection relative to the base assembly to move the mesh deployment unitfrom the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The thirdactuation of the actuation unit may include movement of the deploymenthandle a second distance in the proximal direction relative to the baseassembly to cause the release of the mesh from the mesh deployment unit.The base assembly may further include a trigger member. The thirdactuation of the actuation unit may include pivoting of the lockingmember to release the trigger member and retraction of the triggermember.

The actuation unit may also include a connection assembly and the meshdeployment unit may include a connector assembly. The connectionassembly may be operably connectable to the connector assembly toreleasably secure the mesh deployment unit to the actuation unit. Theconnection assembly may include a connection member defining a cutoutand the connector assembly includes a connector member having anextension configured to be selective received in the cutout. Theconnection assembly may further include a retaining sleeve configured tobe selective positioned about the connector member to selectively retainthe extension of the connector member within the cutout of theconnection member.

In some embodiments, the mesh deployment unit includes a frame assemblyand an actuator assembly operably connected to the frame assembly formoving the mesh deployment unit between the collapsed and expandedconditions. The mesh may be releasably secured to the frame assembly bya plurality of clips. The actuator assembly may be configured to causemovement of the plurality of clips from a locked position, for retainingthe mesh to the frame assembly, to an unlocked position to permit therelease of the mesh from the frame assembly. The plurality of clips maybe configured to be moved from the locked position to the unlockedposition during a third actuation of the actuation unit.

Also provided is a mesh deployment unit configured for selectiveconnection to an actuation unit. The mesh deployment unit may include aframe assembly having first and second frame members, a connectorassembly operably connectable to the frame assembly and configured forselective attachment to an actuation unit, and an actuator assemblyhaving an actuator shaft extending from the frame assembly through theconnector assembly. Distal movement of the actuator assembly relative tothe connector assembly may be configured to move the frame assembly froman expanded condition to a collapsed condition. Proximal movement of theactuator assembly is configured to return the frame assembly to theexpanded condition.

The mesh deployment unit may further include an attachment assembly forselectively securing a mesh to the first and second frame members. Theattachment assembly may include a plurality of clips movable from aclosed position, for retaining the mesh to the frame assembly, to anopen position to permit release of the mesh. In some embodiments, atleast a portion of the actuator shaft includes a rectangularcross-section. The mesh deployment unit may further include a lockingmember selectively securable to the connector assembly. The connectorassembly may include a lockout for selectively engaging the lockingmember. The lockout member may be movable from a first position inengagement with the locking member to a second position disengaged fromthe locking member.

In addition, a kit for deploying mesh is provided. The kit includes afirst mesh deployment unit including a frame assembly and a first meshattached to the frame assembly. The first mesh deployment unit may beconfigured for selective connection to an actuation unit. The kit mayfurther includes a second mesh deployment unit including a frameassembly and a second mesh attached to the frame assembly. The secondmesh deployment unit may be configured for selective connection to theactuation unit. The first and second meshes may have the sameconfiguration or different configurations. The kit may further include athird mesh deployment unit configured for selective connection to theactuation unit. In addition, the kit may include an actuation unitselectively connectable to the first or second mesh deployment units andmay be configured to actuate the selected mesh deployment unit betweencollapsed and expanded conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosureand, together with a general description of the disclosure given above,and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mesh deployment device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mesh deployment device shown in FIG.1, with an actuation unit and a mesh deployment unit separated, whereinthe actuation unit and the mesh deployment unit may be provided in asingle kit or multiple kits;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the actuation unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the actuation unit shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the actuation unit shown inFIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a base assembly of the actuation unitshown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a locking member of the base assemblyshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a housing of the base assemblyshown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the housing shownin FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an articulation assembly of theactuation unit shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an articulation handle of thearticulation assembly shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 11B is a side view of a first handle half of the articulationhandle shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a side view of a second handle half of the articulationhandle shown in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an articulation rod and an articulationmember of the articulation assembly shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged top view of the articulation rod shown in FIG.12;

FIG. 14A is an enlarged side view of the articulation rod shown in FIG.12;

FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of portion 14B shown in FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a deployment assembly of the actuationunit shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of portion 15B shown in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a deployment handle of the deploymentassembly shown in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16B is a side view of the deployment handle shown in FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C is a top view of the deployment handle shown in FIGS. 16A and16B;

FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a locking member of the actuation unitshown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 17B is an end view of the locking member shown in FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a connection assembly of theactuation unit shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of a sleeve of theconnection assembly shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20A is a top view of a connection member of the connection assemblyshown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20B is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the connectionmember shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an actuation unit according to anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the actuation unit shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the mesh deployment unit shown in FIGS. 1 and2;

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the mesh deployment unitshown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 25A is a top view of a first frame member of the mesh deploymentunit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 25B is a side view of the indicated portion shown in FIG. 25A;

FIG. 26A is a top view of a second frame member of the mesh deploymentunit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 26B is a side view of the indicated portion shown in FIG. 26A;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of an attachment assembly of themesh deployment unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a cap member of the attachmentassembly shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 28B is a side view of the cap member shown in FIG. 28A;

FIG. 29A is a side view of an actuator assembly of the mesh deploymentunit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 29B is a top view of the actuator assembly shown in FIG. 29A;

FIG. 30A is a perspective view of a cam slider and a pair of anchors(annular and crimped) of the actuator assembly shown in FIG. 29A;

FIG. 30B is an end view of the cam slider shown in FIG. 30A;

FIG. 30C is a cross-sectional top view of the cam slider shown in FIG.30A;

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of a connection assembly of themesh deployment unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 32A is a first side view of a connector member of the connectionassembly shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 32B is a second side view of the connector member shown in FIG.32A;

FIG. 32C is a first end view of the connector member shown in FIG. 32A;

FIG. 32D is a second end view of the connector member shown in FIG. 32A;

FIG. 33A is a first perspective view of the connector member shown inFIG. 32A and an articulation link and a connection link of theconnection assembly shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33B is a second perspective view of the connector member,articulation link, and connection link shown in FIG. 33A;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a lock member of the mesh deploymentunit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 35A is a cross-sectional side view of the actuation unit shown inFIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 35B is an enlarged view of portion 35B shown in FIG. 35A;

FIG. 36A is a longitudinal cross-sectional top view of the meshdeployment unit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 36B is an enlarged view of portion 36B shown in FIG. 36A;

FIG. 37A is a bottom view of the mesh deployment unit and the actuationunit shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 37B is an enlarged view of portion 37B shown in FIG. 37A;

FIG. 37C is an enlarged view of portion 37C shown in FIG. 37A;

FIG. 38A is an enlarged view of a connection between the mesh deploymentunit and the actuation unit shown in FIG. 37A;

FIG. 38B is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the meshdeployment unit and the actuation unit shown in FIG. 38A;

FIG. 39 is a side view of the connection between the mesh deploymentunit and the actuation unit shown in FIG. 38A, with a retaining sleeveof the actuation unit shown in FIG. 37A in a retracted position;

FIG. 40 is a side view of the connection between the mesh deploymentunit and the actuation unit and retaining sleeve shown in FIG. 39, withthe retaining sleeve in an advanced position;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the mesh deployment device shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, with a frame assembly in an open configuration and with ashipping wedge of the actuation unit and a lock member of the meshdeployment unit removed;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the mesh deployment device shown inFIG. 41 with the frame assembly in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 43A is a top view of the articulation assembly shown in FIG. 10connected to the frame assembly shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 43B is a top view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 42 in a firstarticulated position;

FIG. 43C is a top view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 42 in asecond articulated position;

FIG. 44 is a side view of the deployment assembly shown in FIG. 15attached to the actuator assembly shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 45 is a first perspective view of a handle assembly of theactuation unit shown in FIGS. 1-4, with a bottom housing half removedand with a locking member in a locked position;

FIG. 46 is a enlarged second perspective view of the handle assemblyshown in FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the actuator assembly shown in FIG. 29Areceived through the frame assembly shown in FIG. 42;

FIG. 48A is an enlarged top view of the handle assembly shown in FIG.45, with a top housing have removed and the locking assembly in thelocked position;

FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 48B-48B shown inFIG. 48A;

FIG. 48C is the cross-sectional end view of the handle assembly shown inFIG. 48B with the locking member in a second or unlocked position;

FIG. 49 is a first perspective view of the handle assembly shown in FIG.45, with the locking member in the unlocked position;

FIG. 50 is a enlarged second perspective view of the handle assemblyshown in FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the actuator assembly and the frameassembly shown in FIG. 47, with the cam slider in a distal-mostposition;

FIG. 52 is a first perspective view of the handle assembly shown in FIG.45, with a deployment handle in a fully-retracted position;

FIG. 53 is an enlarged second perspective view of the handle assemblyshown in FIG. 52;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the actuator assembly and the frameassembly shown in FIG. 51, with a cam slider in a proximal-mostposition;

FIG. 55 is a side view of the attachment assembly shown in FIG. 27, witha cap member removed and in a closed configuration;

FIG. 56 is a side view of the attachment assembly shown in FIG. 55,shown in an open configuration;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an attachment assembly, according to analternative embodiment of the present disclosure, shown in an openconfiguration;

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of the attachment assembly shown in FIG.57, shown in a closed configuration.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of an actuation unit according to analternative embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 60 is an exploded perspective view of the actuation unit shown inFIG. 59;

FIG. 61 is a cross-sectional side view of the actuation unit shown inFIG. 59 taken along line 61 in FIG. 59;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of a handle assembly of the actuation unitshown in FIG. 59 with a housing half removed;

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view of the actuation unit shown in FIG. 59taken along line 63 in FIG. 64;

FIG. 64 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 61;

FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of the actuation unit shown in FIG. 59taken along line 65 in FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is an alternate perspective view of the handle assembly shown inFIG. 62 with the housing half removed;

FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the actuation unit shown in FIG. 59taken along line 67 in FIG. 64;

FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 62with the housing removed and a switch member in a first position;

FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of the actuation unit shown in FIG. 59taken along line 69 in FIG. 64;

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 62with the housing removed and the switch member in a second position;

FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a mesh deployment unit according to analternative embodiment of the present dislcousre;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a lock member according of the meshdeployment unit shown in FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 72;

FIG. 74 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown inFIG. 71;

FIG. 75 is a top view of a connector assembly of the mesh deploymentunit shown in FIG. 71;

FIG. 76 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown inFIG. 75 taken along line 76 in FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a perspective view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 75subsequent to attachment to an actuation unit with a sleeve removed;

FIG. 78 is a top view of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 77 withthe sleeve removed;

FIG. 79 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly shown inFIG. 77 taken along line 79 in FIG. 78;

FIG. 80 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 80 in FIG. 71; and

FIG. 81 is a perspective view of the internal portion of first andsecond frame members of the mesh deployment unit shown in FIG. 71.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed mesh deployment device will nowbe described in detail with reference to the drawings in which likereference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in eachof the several views. As is common in the art, the term “proximal”refers to that part or component closer to the user or operator, i.e.,surgeon or physician, while the term “distal” refers to that part orcomponent further away from the user.

With reference initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, a mesh deployment deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generallyas mesh deployment device 10. Mesh deployment device 10 includes anactuation unit 100 and a mesh deployment unit 200. Mesh deploymentdevice 10 is configured such that mesh deployment unit 200, includingpre-attached mesh “M”, may be provided to a clinician separate fromactuation unit 100. By separating mesh deployment device 10 intoseparate actuation unit 100 and mesh deployment unit 200, the packagingfor mesh deployment device 10 may be reduced, thereby reducing packagingcosts. Reduced packaging also reduces shipping costs and reduces storagespace requirements. Furthermore, by having separate or separableactuation unit 100 and mesh deployment unit 200, mesh deployment unit200 may be replaced after each use, thereby permitting reuse ofactuation unit 100. Additionally, by shipping mesh deployment unit 200,with a frame assembly 202 thereof in an open configuration, theintegrity of mesh “M” is better maintained.

It is envisioned that actuation unit 100 may be modified for use withmesh deployment units of various sizes and configurations. It is furtherenvisioned that mesh deployment unit 200 may be modified for use withmeshes of various sizes, configurations, and compositions. For example,mesh deployment unit 200 may be configured for use with meshes disclosedin commonly owned U.S. Patent Appl. Publ. Nos. 2011/0190795 and2012/0009240, and commonly owned PCT Appl. Publ. No. 2012/0129391, thecontent of each application being incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety. It is further envisioned that mesh deployment unit 200may be modified for use with other actuation assemblies.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mesh deployment device 10 including theactuation unit 100 and the mesh deployment unit 200, may be provided ina single kit, or in separate kits including any combinations thereof andany quantities thereof. For example, a single kit may include a singleactuation unit 100 and a single mesh deployment unit 200. In a furtherexample, a single kit may include a single actuation unit 100 andmultiple mesh deployment units 200, wherein each mesh deployment unit200 may have the same shape or different shapes.

With reference now to FIGS. 3-5, actuation unit 100 includes a handleassembly 102 and a shaft assembly 104 extending from handle assembly102. Handle assembly 102 includes a base assembly 110, an articulationassembly 130, a deployment assembly 150, and a shipping lock 170. Shaftassembly 104 extends distally from base assembly 110 of handle assembly102 and includes a connection assembly 180.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-9, base assembly 110 includes a housing112 and a locking member 114. Housing 112 is formed of first and secondhousing halves 116, 118. Housing 112 is configured for operableengagement by a user. Housing 112 includes proximal and distal ends 112a, 112 b, and defines a longitudinal passage 113 therebetween. Each ofproximal and distal ends 112 a, 112 b of housing 112 defines a circularopening 111 a, 111 b, respectively. Proximal end 112 a of housing 112 isconfigured to engage a flange 142 formed on a distal end 132 b of anarticulation handle 132 of articulation assembly 130. Openings 111 a,111 b and longitudinal passage 113 are configured to accommodate aproximal end 182 a (FIG. 19) of a sleeve 182 of connection assembly 180.

Each of first and second housing halves 116, 118 includes a tab 116 a,118 a (FIG. 9), respectively, extending within longitudinal passage 113,configured to engage a respective first slot 183 a, 183 b (FIG. 18)formed in proximal end 182 a of sleeve 182 to fix sleeve 182 relative tohousing 112. As will be described in further detail below, tabs 116 a,116 b also extend within an enlarged portion 135 a of a firstlongitudinal slot 135 (FIG. 11) of an articulation rod 134 ofarticulation assembly 130 to prevent rotation of articulation rod 134about longitudinal axis “x”.

Housing 112 defines a recess 115 (FIG. 9) configured to receive a bodyportion 114 a (FIG. 7) of locking member 114. First housing half 116defines an opening 117 through which an engagement portion 114 b oflocking member 114 extends. Recess 115 and opening 117 are configuredsuch that locking member 114 may be pivoted about longitudinal axis “x”between a first or locked position (FIG. 48B) and a second or unlockedposition (FIG. 48C). Distal end 112 b of housing 112 further includes arecessed portion 119 and a plurality of slots 121 extending radiallyoutward from opening 111 a. As shown, three (3) slots 121 a, 121 b, 121c are formed in second housing half 118. As will be described in furtherdetail below, slots 121 correspond in number and size to flangedportions 156 b (FIG. 16) and support member 158 (FIG. 16) of extension156 formed on proximal end 152 a of deployment handle 152 of deploymentassembly 150.

Turning briefly to FIG. 7, locking member 114 includes body portion 114a and engagement portion 114 b. Body portion 114 a includes asubstantially C-shaped member defining a gap 123 between ends 122 a, 122b of C-shaped body portion 114 a. Opening 123 corresponds to the radialspacing between the outer edges of outer slots 121 a, 121 c (FIG. 6)formed in second housing half 118. Engagement portion 114 a extendsradially outward from body portion 114 a. As will be described infurther detail below, when locking member 114 is in the first or lockedposition (FIG. 48B), end 122 a of body portion 114 a of locking member114 obstructs slot 121 a. When locking member 114 is pivoted, withinrecess 115, about longitudinal axis “x”, to a second, or unlockedposition, as indicated by arrow “K” in FIG. 48C, gap 123 defined by bodyportion 114 a aligns with slots 121, thereby permitting passage ofextension 156 (FIG. 5) of deployment member 152 through opening 111 b(FIG. 6) and slots 121.

With reference now to FIGS. 10-14B, articulation assembly 130 includesan articulation handle 132, an articulation rod 134, and an articulationlinkage 136. Articulation handle 132 is formed of first and secondhandle halves 138, 140 and is configured for operable engagement by auser. As noted above, distal end 132 b of articulation handle 132includes a flange 142 (FIG. 11A) configured to engage housing 112 (FIG.6) of base assembly 110. Flange 142 is configured to facilitate therotation of articulation handle 132 about longitudinal axis “x”.Articulation handle 132 defines a longitudinal cavity 133 configured toreceive a proximal end 134 a of articulation rod 134. Each of first andsecond handle halves 138, 140 includes a plurality of ridges 138 a, 140a, respectively, extending into longitudinal cavity 133. Ridges 138 a(FIG. 11B), 140 a (FIG. 11C) are configured to operably engage a screwmember 144 formed on proximal end 134 a of articulation rod 134. As willbe described in further detail below, as articulation handle 132 isrotated about longitudinal axis “x” relative to housing 112 of baseassembly 110, engagement of ridges 138 a, 140 a of handle halves 138,140, respectively, with screw member 144 of articulation rod 134 causearticulation rod 134 to longitudinally translate relative to housing 112of base assembly 110.

With reference to FIGS. 12-14B, as noted above, proximal end 134 a ofarticulation rod 134 includes screw member 144. A distal end 134 b ofarticulation rod 134 is configured to engage a proximal portion 136 a(FIG. 12) of articulation linkage 136. Articulation rod 134 defines apair of longitudinal notches 133 a and a longitudinal slot 135.Longitudinal notches 133 a are configured to accommodate tabs 116 a, 118a formed in first and second housing halves 116, 118, respectively. Thepositioning of tabs 116 a, 118 a within longitudinal notches 133 arotationally fixes articulation rod 134 relative to housing 112 of baseassembly 110. Longitudinal slot 135 is configured to receive and permitlongitudinal translation of a proximal end 154 a of a deployment rod 154of deployment assembly 150. Longitudinal slot 135 includes an enlargedportion 135 a positioned to align with a third slot 185 formed in sleeve182 and to receive a tab 176 (FIG. 17A) of shipping lock 170 (FIG. 17A)when articulation assembly 130 is in a first or non-articulatedposition.

With particular reference to FIGS. 12 and 14B, distal end 134 b ofarticulation rod 134 defines a longitudinally extending cylindricalcentral passage 137 a and a cutout 137 b extending from a proximal endof passage 137 a to a distal end of longitudinal slot 135. Passage 137 aand cutout 137 b are configured to permit the longitudinal translationof a deployment rod 154 (FIG. 5) of deployment assembly 150 relative toarticulation rod 134.

Distal end 134 b of articulation rod 134 further defines an annulargroove 139 a, a cylindrical recess 139 b, and a pair of L-shaped cutouts141. Annular groove 139 a is positioned proximal of L-shaped cutouts 141and is configured to receive a first o-ring 144 a (FIG. 5) for creatinga seal between articulation rod 134 and sleeve 182. Cylindrical recess139 b is formed about opening 137 a and is configured to receive asecond o-ring 144 b (FIG. 5). L-shaped cutouts 141 include a first orlong portion 141 a extending longitudinally from distal end 134 b ofarticulation rod 134 and a second or short portion 141 b extendingradially inward. Long portions 141 a of L-shaped cutouts 141 areconfigured to receive fingers 148 extending from proximal end 136 a ofarticulation linkage 136 and short portions 141 b of L-shaped cutouts141 are configured to receive tabs 146 a extending from fingers 146.Receipt of tabs 146 a within short portions 141 b of cutouts 141securely connects articulation linkage 136 to articulation rod 134.

With continued reference to FIG. 12, articulation linkage 136 operablyconnects articulation rod 134 with mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 1).Articulation linkage 136 includes a substantially cylindrical portion136 a and an elongated planar distal portion 136 b. As detailed above,proximal portion 136 a of articulation linkage 136 is configured toengage distal end 134 b of articulation rod 134. In particular, proximalend 136 a of articulation linkage 136 includes a pair of proximallyextending fingers 146 each including a tab 146 a extending radiallyinward. Fingers 146 are configured to be received within long portion141 a of L-shaped cutouts 141 formed in articulation rod 134 and tabs146 a are configured to be received within short portions 141 b ofL-shaped cutouts 141. As noted above, receipt of tabs 146 a within shortportions 141 b of L-shaped cutouts 141 secure articulation linkage 136with articulation rod 134. Distal end 136 b of articulation linkage 136includes a hook 148 configured to be received within a slot 277 a (FIG.31) formed in a proximal end 276 a of articulation link 276 of meshdeployment unit 200.

With reference now to FIGS. 15A-16C, deployment assembly 150 includesdeployment handle 152 and deployment rod 154. Deployment handle 152includes a frustoconical body configured for operable engagement by auser. Deployment handle 152 includes proximal and distal ends 152 a, 152b, and defines a longitudinal passage 153 formed between proximal anddistal ends 152 a, 152 b. Longitudinal passage 153 is sized toaccommodate sleeve 182 (FIG. 16A) of connection assembly 180 in asliding manner. More specifically, longitudinal passage 153 isconfigured such that deployment handle 152 may be advanced and retractedalong sleeve 182.

An extension 156 extends proximally from proximal end 152 a ofdeployment handle 152. Extension 156 includes a curved portion 156 a anda pair of flanged portions 156 b. Curved portion 156 a defines anopening 155 a configured to receive a bent portion 160 (FIG. 14A) ofdeployment rod 154. Flanged portions 156 b of extension 156 each definea cutout 155 b configured to receive an end 174 a (FIG. 17A) of flange174 of shipping lock 170. As will be described in further detail below,receipt of ends 174 a of flange 174 of shipping lock 170 within cutouts155 b of extension 156 secures deployment handle 152 relative to housing112 (FIG. 6) of base assembly 110. As seen in FIG. 16B, triangularsupport member 158 supports extension 156.

With particular reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, deployment rod 154includes proximal and distal ends 154 a, 154 b. Proximal end 154 a ofdeployment rod 154 includes a bent portion 160 (FIG. 14A) configured forreception within opening 155 a formed in extension 156 of deploymenthandle 152. Distal end 154 b of deployment rod 154 defines first andsecond annular recesses 157 a, 157 b and first and second cutouts 159 a,159 b corresponding with and providing lateral access to first andsecond annular recesses 157 a, 157 b, respectively. As will be describedin further detail below, first and second recesses 157 a, 157 b areconfigured to receive a proximal end 262 a of actuator assembly 260 ofmesh deployment unit 200.

With reference now to FIGS. 17A and 17B, shipping lock 170 includes abody portion 172, a circular flange 174, and a tab 176. Shipping lock170 is configured to be received between housing 112 (FIG. 6) of baseassembly 110 and deployment handle 152 (FIG. 15) of deployment assembly150. Body portion 172 of shipping lock 170 is configured for operableengagement by a user. Circular flange 174 of shipping lock 174 isconfigured to selectively engage sleeve 182 (FIG. 16A) of connectionassembly 180 and includes ends 174 a configured to be received withinslots 155 b formed in flanged portions 156 b of extension 156 ofdeployment handle 152. As noted above, receipt of ends 174 a of circularflange 174 within slots 155 b (FIG. 16C) of extension 156 securesdeployment handle 152 of deployment assembly 150 relative to housing 112of base assembly 110. As noted above, tab 176 is configured to bereceived through a third slot 187 (FIG. 19) of sleeve 182 of connectionassembly 180 and within enlarged portion 135 a (FIG. 10) of longitudinalslot 135 of articulation rod 134 to secure articulation rod 134 relativeto sleeve 182 and housing 112 (FIG. 6) of base assembly 110.

With reference now to FIGS. 18-20B, connection assembly 180 includessleeve 182, connection member 184, and retaining sleeve 186. Connectionassembly 180 extends from handle assembly 102 (FIG. 1) and is configuredfor selective attachment of mesh deployment unit 200 to actuation unit100. As will be described in further detail below, retaining sleeve 186of connection assembly 180 is configured to be received about connectionmember 184 and to selectively secure mesh deployment unit 200 to shaftassembly 104 (FIG. 3) of actuation unit 100.

With particular reference to FIG. 19, sleeve 182 of connection assembly180 includes an elongated annular body having proximal and distal ends182 a, 182 b. From proximal end 182 a to distal end 182 b, sleeve 182defines first slots 183 a, 183 b, a second slot 185, a third slot 187,and fourth slots 189 a, 189 b. As detailed above, first slots 183 a, 183b correspond to tabs 116 a, 118 a (FIG. 9), respectively, formed onrespective first and second housing halves 116, 118 of housing 112 ofbase assembly 110. Receipt of tabs 116 a, 118 a of housing 112 withinfirst slots 183 a, 183 b of sleeve 182 secures sleeve 182 relative tohousing 112. Second slot 185 is configured to permit the longitudinaltranslation of deployment rod 154 of deployment assembly 150 relative tosleeve 182. As noted above, third slot 187 is configured to receive tab176 (FIG. 17A) of shipping lock 170. Fourth slots 189 a, 189 b areconfigured to engage tabs 192 a (FIG. 19) extending radially outwardfrom fingers 192 formed on proximal end 184 a of connection member 184.

With reference now to FIGS. 20A and 20B, connection member 184 includesa substantially cylindrical member having proximal and distal ends 184a, 184 b. As described above, proximal end 184 a of connection member180 includes fingers 192 and tabs 192 a extending radially outward fromfingers 192. Tabs 192 a of fingers 192 are configured to be receivedwithin fourth slots 189 a, 189 b (FIG. 19) of sleeve 182.

A tapered flange 194 extends about connection member 184 adjacentproximal end 184 a. Tapered flange 194 maintains retaining sleeve 186(FIG. 18) of connection assembly 180 about connection member 184 in aproximal direction. Tapered flange 194 also acts as a stop member forsleeve 182 (FIG. 18) and facilitates alignment of tabs 192 a with fourthslots 189 a, 189 b.

A plurality of first retaining features 196 are formed about connectionmember 184 and each includes a lip 196 a. Retaining features 196 areconfigured to selectively maintain retaining sleeve 186 (FIG. 18) in adistal or advanced position (FIG. 40). More particularly, each lip 196 aof first retaining features 196 is configured to engage a proximal end186 a of retaining sleeve 186. Retaining features 196 are configured tomaintain retaining sleeve 186 in the advanced position. As will bedescribed in further detail below, engagement of retaining features 196with proximal end 186 a of retaining sleeve 186 may provide an audibleand/or tactile feedback to the clinician that retaining sleeve 186 issecure. Retaining features 196 are further configured to flex inwardlywhen sufficient force is applied to retaining sleeve 186 in the proximaldirection to permit proximal retraction of retaining sleeve 186 aboutconnection member 184. Alternatively, retaining features 196 may bemanually flexed inward to cause the disengagement of lips 196 a withproximal end 186 a of retaining sleeve 186.

A second retaining feature 198 is formed adjacent distal end 184 b ofconnection member 184 and is configured to maintain retaining sleeve 186in a proximal or retracted position (FIG. 39). Second retaining feature198 includes a lip 198 a and is configured to flex inwardly whensufficient force is applied to retaining sleeve 186 in the distaldirection to permit distal advancement of retaining sleeve 186 aboutconnection member 184. It is envisioned that second retaining feature198 may be engaged by an engagement feature (not shown) on connectormember 272 (FIG. 24) of mesh deployment unit 200 that engages secondretaining feature 198 when mesh deployment unit 200 is properly attachedto actuation unit 100 (FIG. 1), thereby flexing second retaining feature198 inwardly and permitting distal advancement of retaining sleeve 186.

With reference still to FIGS. 20A and 20B, connection member 184 definesa longitudinal passage 191 and a longitudinal cutout 193 extendingbetween proximal and distal ends 184 a, 184 b. Longitudinal passage 191is configured to receive deployment rod 154 (FIG. 5) of deploymentassembly 150 in a sliding manner. Longitudinal cutout 193 is configuredto accommodate distal portion 136 b (FIG. 5) of articulation linkage 136in a sliding manner. Distal end 184 b of connection member 184 furtherdefines a cutout 195 configured to selectively receive a proximal end272 a (FIG. 24) of a connector member 272 of mesh deployment unit 200.

With reference now to FIGS. 21 and 22, an actuation assembly, accordingto another embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown generally asactuation unit 100′. Actuation unit 100′ operates in a manner similar toactuation unit 100 described hereinabove and will only be described asrelates to the differences therebetween. Actuation unit 100′ includes ahandle assembly 102′ and a shaft assembly 104′. Handle assembly 102′includes a base assembly 110′, an articulation assembly 130′, adeployment assembly 150′, and a connection assembly 180′.

Base assembly 110′ includes a housing 112′, a locking button 114′, and aretaining plate 116′ operably received within housing 112′. Lockingbutton 114′ and retaining plate 116′ operate to prevent proximaladvancement of a deployment handle 152′ of deployment assembly 150′beyond the initial position of deployment handle 152′ relative tohousing 112′. In this manner, locking button 114′ and retaining plate116′ prevent release of a mesh (not shown) from an attached meshdeployment unit (not shown). Locking button 114′ and retainer plate 116′are moved from a locked position to an unlock position by pressingdownwardly on locking button 114′ relative to housing 112′. Downwardmovement of locking button 114′ relative to housing 112′ aligns andpushes retaining plate 116′ downwardly and out of engagement with aflange 156′ extending from deployment handle 152′ and aligns a cutout115′ formed in locking button 114′ with extension 156′ to permitproximal retraction of deployment handle 152′. Locking button 114′ maybe spring loaded to cause the return of locking button 114′ to thelocked position. Movement of locking button 114′ to an unlocked positionmay produce an audible feedback signaling to the clinician thatdeployment handle 152′ may be retracted.

Briefly, articulation assembly 130′ includes an articulation housing132′, an articulation rod 134′, and an articulation linkage 136′.Deployment assembly 150′ includes deployment handle 152′ and deploymentrod 154′. Connection assembly 180′ includes a sleeve 182′, a connectionmember 184′, and a retaining sleeve 186′.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, mesh deployment unit 200 includes aframe assembly 202 and a shaft assembly 204. Frame assembly 202 includesfirst and second frame members 210, 230. A mesh release assembly 250 isoperably mounted to each of first and second frame members 210, 230 andis configured for selective attachment of a mesh “M” (FIG. 1) to frameassembly 202. An actuator assembly 260 extends through frame assembly202 and shaft assembly 204 and is configured to selectively deploy frameassembly 202 and to selectively release mesh “M” from attachment toframe assembly 202. Shaft assembly 204 includes a connector assembly 270and a lock member 290. As will become apparent, a reduced profile ofmesh release assemblies 250, in particular, and of mesh deployment unit200, in general, further reduces packaging and shipping costs.

With reference now to FIGS. 25A and 25B, first frame member 210 includesproximal and distal end 210 a, 210 b and defines a longitudinal recess211 extending between proximal and distal ends 210 a, 210 b.Longitudinal recess 211 supports actuator shaft 262 of actuator assembly260 in a sliding manner. First frame member 210 includes a slidingportion 212, a connector portion 214, a proximal link portion 216, anattachment portion 218, a distal link portion 220, and an end portion222. A first living hinge 212 a is formed between sliding portion 212and connector portion 214, a second living hinge 214 a is formed betweenconnector portion 214 and proximal link portion 216, a third livinghinge 216 a is formed between proximal link portion 216 and attachmentportion 218, a fourth living hinge 218 a is formed between attachmentportion 218 and distal link portion 220, and a fifth living hinge 220 ais formed between distal link portion 220 and end portion 222. Eachliving hinges 212 a, 214 a, 216 a, 218 a, 220 a, is configured to permitpivoting of the respective portions 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 offirst frame member 210 relative to each other. First frame member 210 isconfigured such that distal movement of end portion 222 relative toconnector portion 212 causes first frame member 210 to collapse aboutactuator shaft 262 of actuator assembly 260. Although portions 212, 214,216, 218, 220, 222 of first frame member 210 are shown as being formedof a single structure connected by respective living hinges 212 a, 214a, 216 a, 218 a, 220 a, i.e., of monolithic construction, it isenvisioned that portions 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 of first framemember 210 may instead be formed of separate components pivotallyconnected by pivot pins (not shown) or in any other suitable manner.

With reference still to FIGS. 25A and 25B, sliding portion 212 of firstframe member 210 includes a protrusion 224 extending radially outwardand configured to be received within a distal slot 279 b of a connectionlink 278 of connector assembly 270. Connector portion 214 defines aplurality of paired notches 213 a and a rectangular cutout 213 b. Pairednotches 213 a are configured to receive paired tabs 246 formed onconnector portion 234 of second frame member 230. As will be describedin further detail below, rectangular cutout 213 b is configured toreceive a flange 264 a of cam slider 264 in a sliding manner. Proximallink portion 216 defines a slot 215 (FIG. 24) extending the lengththereof configured to receive a first wire “W1” (FIG. 30A in a slidingmanner. While a wire “W1” is shown and described, it is contemplatedthat wire may be replaced with a, string, a cable, or any structurecapable of transmitting tensile or compressive forces in an axialdirection. As will be described in further detail below, first wire “W1”is secured between proximal end 252 a of release link 252 of attachmentassembly 250 and cam slider 264 of actuator assembly 260.

The configuration of attachment portion 216 will be described below withrelation to mesh release assembly 250. End portion 222 of first framemember 210 defines paired notches 217 and an annular recess 219 (FIG.36A). Paired notches 217 are configured to receive paired tabs 248 (FIG.26A) formed on end portion 242 of second frame member 230. Annularrecess 219 (FIG. 36A) is configured to receive a first pin 266 a (FIG.36A) of actuator assembly 260.

With reference now to FIGS. 26A and 26B, second frame member 230 issubstantially similar to first frame member 210. Second frame member 230includes proximal and distal end 230 a, 230 b, and defines alongitudinal recess 231 extending between proximal and distal ends 230a, 230 b. Longitudinal recess 231 supports actuator shaft 262 ofactuator assembly 260 in a sliding manner. Second frame member 230includes a static portion 232, a connector portion 234, a proximal linkportion 236, an attachment portion 238, a distal link portion 240, andan end portion 242. A first living hinge 232 a is formed between staticportion 232 and connector portion 234, a second living hinge 234 a isformed between connector portion 234 and proximal link portion 236, athird living hinge 236 a is formed between proximal link portion 236 andattachment portion 238, a fourth living hinge 238 a is formed betweenattachment portion 238 and distal link portion 240, and a fifth livinghinge 240 a is formed between distal link portion 240 and end portion242. Each living hinges 232 a, 234 a, 236 a, 238 a, 240 a is configuredto permit pivoting of the respective portions 232, 234, 236, 238, 240,242 of second frame member 230 relative to each other. Second framemember 230 is configured such that distal movement of end portion 242relative to connector portion 232 causes first frame member 230 tocollapse about actuator shaft 262 of actuator assembly 260. Althoughportions 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242 of second frame member 230 areshown as being formed of a single structure connected by respectiveliving hinges 232 a, 234 a, 236 a, 238 a, 240 a, i.e., of monolithicconstruction, it is envisioned that portions 232, 234, 236, 238, 240,242 of second frame member 230 may instead be formed of separatecomponents pivotally connected by pivot pins (not shown) or in any othersuitable manner.

With reference still to FIGS. 26A and 26B, static portion 232 of secondframe member 230 includes a protrusion 244 configured to be receivedwithin a distal longitudinal slot 279 b (FIG. 31) defined by aconnection link 278 of articulation assembly 270. Connector portion 234of second frame member 230 includes a plurality of paired tabs 246 anddefines a rectangular cutout 233 b. As described above, paired tabs 246are configured to engage paired notches 213 a formed on connectorportion 214 of first frame member 210. When first and second framemembers 210, 230 are assembled, engagement of paired notches 213 a (FIG.25B) of first frame member 210 by paired tabs 246 of second frame member230 longitudinally fixes connection portions 214, 234 of first andsecond frame members 210, 230, respectively, relative to each other.

Rectangular cutout 233 b is configured to receive a flange 264 b (FIG.29B) of cam slider 264 in a sliding manner. Proximal link portion 236 ofsecond frame member 230 defines a slot (not shown) extending the lengththereof configured to receive a second wire or string “W2” (FIG. 30A) ina sliding manner. As noted above, second wire “W2” extends betweenproximal end 252 a of release link 252 of attachment assembly 250 andcam slider 264 of actuator assembly 260.

The configuration of attachment portion 236 will be described below withrelation to mesh release assembly 250. End portion 242 of second framemember 230 defines paired tabs 248 and an annular recess 239 (FIG. 36A).Paired tabs 248 are configured to be received within paired notches 217a (FIG. 25A) formed on end portion 242 of second frame member 230.Annular recess 237 is configured to receive a first pin 266 a (FIG. 24)of actuator assembly 260.

With reference now to FIGS. 27-28B, mesh release assembly 250 includes arelease link 252, a pair of clip members 254, and a cap member 256.Although mesh release assembly 250 will be described as relates toattachment portion 238 of second frame member 230, mesh release assembly250 mounted within attachment portion 218 of first frame assembly 210 isa mirror image of the presently described mesh release assembly 250.Accordingly, the structure and function of each attachment assembly aresubstantially identical. Although mesh release assembly 250 is shownincluding a pair of clip members 254, it is envisioned that releaseassembly 250 may be modified to include only a single clip member 254 ormore than two clip members 254.

Attachment portion 238 of second frame member 230 defines a longitudinalrecess 251 extending the length of attachment portion 238 configured toreceive release link 252 in a sliding manner, a pair of openings 251 aconfigured to receive protrusions 258 b formed on cap member 256, a pairof arcuate slots 251 b configured to receive flange portions 254 b ofclip members 254, and a plurality of paired notches 251 c configured toreceive a plurality of paired tabs 256 a formed on cap member 256.Proximal and distal ramps 253 a, 253 b are formed near proximal anddistal ends, respectively, of longitudinal recess 251. Proximal ramp 253a is positioned to engage a rounded proximal end 252 a of release link252 subsequent to actuation of mesh release member 250 to maintain clipmembers 254 in the open configuration. Distal ramp 253 b is positionedto engage a rounded distal end 252 b of release link 252 prior toactuation of mesh release member 250 to maintain clip members 254 in theclosed configuration, thereby ensuring mesh “M” remains attached toframe assembly 202.

Still referring to FIG. 27, release link 252 includes rounded proximaland distal ends 252 a, 252 b and a pair of protrusions 258 a configuredto be received through slot 257 b of clip members 254 and intolongitudinal slots 259 formed in cap member 256. Proximal end 252 a ofrelease link 252 defines an opening 255 configured to facilitateattachment of second wire or string “W2” (FIG. 24). Although shown asopening 255, second wire or string “W2” (FIG. 24) may be attached torelease link 252 with a tab (not shown) or other connection means.

Each clip member 254 includes a base portion 254 a and a flange portion254 b. Flange portion 254 may be curved or arcuate, as shown. In oneembodiment, clip members 254 include a substantially G-shapedconfiguration. Each clip member 254 is configured to be pivotallyreceived, in respective arcuate slots 251 b of attachment portions 238of second fame member 230, between an open configuration (FIG. 55) and aclosed configuration (FIG. 56). Base portion 254 a of each clip member254 defines an opening 257 a and a slot 257 b. Opening 257 a of baseportion 254 a of each clip member 254 is configured to receiveprotrusion 258 b formed on cap member 256. Slot 257 b of base portion254 a of each clip member 254 is configured to receive protrusion 258 aformed on release link 252.

With reference now to FIGS. 27-28B, cap member 256 includes a pluralityof paired tabs 256 a and a pair of protrusions 258 b. As set forthabove, the plurality of paired tabs 256 a are configured to be receivedwithin paired notches 251 c formed in attachment portion 238 of secondframe member 230 and protrusions 258 b of cap member 256 are configuredto be received through opening 257 a in clip members 254 and intoopenings 251 c formed in attachment portion 238 of second frame member230. A pair of longitudinal slots 259 is configured to receiveprotrusions 258 a formed in release link 252 in a sliding manner. Aswill be described in further detail below, longitudinal movement ofrelease link 252 relative to attachment portion 238 and cap member 256moves each clip member 254 between the closed position (FIG. 55) and theopen position (FIG. 56).

Each of attachment portion 238 of second frame member 230, release link252, and cap member 254 define a slot 250 a, 250 b, 250 c, respectively,centrally positioned to permit translation of release link 252 withinrecess 251 of second frame member 230 by a manufacturer or clinicianusing a screw driver (not shown) or other flat, rigid device, therebypermitting attachment of mesh “M” to frame assembly 202. While it isenvisioned that attachment of mesh “M” to frame assembly 202 will bepreformed as part of the manufacturing process, slots 250 a, 250 b, 250c in respective attachment portion 238 of second frame member 230,release link 252, and cap member 254 enable emergency manual actuationby a clinician to detach a pre-attached mesh “M” from frame assembly 202without having to attach mesh deployment unit 200 to actuation unit 100(FIG. 1). In a similar manner, the clinician may reattach mesh “M” orattach a new mesh to frame assembly 202 as desired.

With reference now to FIGS. 29A-30C, actuator assembly 260 includes anactuator shaft 262, a cam slider 264, first and second pins 266 a, 266b, and a pair of anchor members 267 (FIG. 30A). With particularreference to FIGS. 29A and 29B, actuator shaft 262 includes a proximalshaft portion 268 a, an intermediate shaft portion 268 b, and a distalshaft portion 268 c. Intermediate shaft portion 268 b is securelyaffixed between proximal and distal shaft portions 268 a, 268 c. Each ofproximal and distal shaft portions 268 a, 268 c are substantially rigidand intermediate shaft portion 268 b is flexible. As will be describedin further detail below, the flexibility of intermediate shaft portion268 b facilitates articulation of frame assembly 202 of mesh deploymentunit 200 and permits deployment of frame assembly 202 and release ofmesh “M” while frame assembly 202 is in an articulated position (FIGS.43B and 43C).

A proximal end 262 a of actuator shaft 262 is configured to engagedistal end 154 b of deployment rod 154 of deployment assembly 150 withinactuation assembly 200. Specifically, proximal end 262 a of actuatorshaft 262 includes a cylindrical head portion 269 a formed on anextension portion 269 b. Cylindrical head portion 269 a and extensionportion 269 b are configured to be received within annular recesses 157a, 157 b (FIG. 15B), respectively, of deployment rod 154 through cutouts159 a, 159 b, respectively.

Proximal shaft portion 268 a of actuator shaft 262 defines an annularrecess 261 configured to receive a tab 296 (FIG. 34) of a lock member290 (FIG. 34). When assembled, receipt of tab 296 within annular recess263 prevents longitudinal translation of actuator shaft 262 relative toshaft assembly 204 (FIG. 23).

Distal shaft portion 268 c defines a first opening 263 a configured toreceive first pin 266 a and a second opening 263 b configured to receivesecond pin 266 b. First opening 263 a of distal shaft portion 268 c isformed on a distal end 262 b of actuator shaft 262 and is configured toposition first pin 266 a within cylindrical recesses 219, 239 (FIG. 36A)formed in respective end portions 222, 242 of first and second framemembers 210, 230, respectively. Second opening 263 b of distal shaftportion 268 c is positioned such that second pin 266 b engages camslider 264 upon opening of frame assembly 202, i.e., upon completion ofa deployment stroke.

With particular reference still to FIGS. 29A-30C, cam slider 264includes an annular body portion 264 a and a pair of flanges 264 b.Annular body portion 264 a is configured to be received about distalshaft portion 268 c of actuator shaft 262 in a sliding manner. Annularbody portion 264 a defines an opening 265. Flanges 264 b each include acutout 265 a and a slot 265 b. Cutouts 265 a are configured to receivecrimped anchor members 267 a and slots 265 b are configured toaccommodate first and second wires “W1”, “W2” (FIG. 30A).

With particular reference to FIG. 30A, anchor members 267 initiallyinclude an annular body 267 a. During assembly of mesh deployment unit200, first wire “W1” is received within the opening in a first annularbody 267 a and second “W2” is received within the opening in a secondannular body 267 a. Annular bodies 267 a are then crimped or flattenedto secure first and second wires “W1”, “W2” to respective first andsecond anchor members 267. As noted above, crimped anchor member 267 bis then received within cutouts 265 a formed in flanges 264 b of camslider 264 and first and second wires “W1”, “W2” are received throughslots 265 b formed in flanges 264 b.

With reference now to FIGS. 31-33B, connector assembly 270 includesconnector member 272, sleeve member 274, articulation link 276, andconnection link 278. Connector member 272 includes a proximalcylindrical portion 280, a frustoconical portion 282, and a distalcylindrical portion 284, and defines a longitudinal passage 271extending therethrough. Longitudinal passage 271 is configured toreceive proximal shaft portion 168 a (FIG. 29A) of actuator shaft 262 ina sliding manner. Connector member 272 further defines a slot 273extending a length thereof configured to receive actuation link 276 in asliding manner.

Proximal cylindrical portion 280 includes an extension 280 a configuredto be selectively received within cutout 195 (FIG. 18) formed in distalend 184 b of connection member 184 of connection assembly 180 andconfigured to receive retaining sleeve 186 thereabout. Proximalcylindrical portion 280 defines a cutout 283 for accessing slot 277 aformed in proximal end 276 a of actuation link 276 when actuation link276 is received within slot 273. Distal cylindrical portion 284 ofconnector member 272 is configured to be received within a proximal end274 a of sleeve member 272 and includes a radially outward extendingprotrusion 286 a, a longitudinally extending tab 268 b, and a lockingflange 286 c. Protrusion 286 a is configured to be received withinproximal slot 279 a formed in a proximal end 278 a of connection link278, tab 286 b is configured to be received within notch 275 a formed inproximal end 274 a of sleeve member 274, and locking flange 286 c isconfigured to be selectively received within slot 275 c formed in sleevemember 274. Receipt of tab 268 b within notch 275 a of sleeve member 274facilitates proper alignment of sleeve member 274 with connector member272 and receipt of locking flange 286 c within second slot 275 c ofsleeve member 274 selectively secures sleeve member 274 to connectormember 272. Distal cylindrical portion 284 defines a slot 285 (FIG. 32)configured to receive a tab 296 (FIG. 34) of lock member 290.

Sleeve member 274 includes an annular body having proximal and distalends 274 a, 274 b. Proximal end 274 a of sleeve member 274 is configuredto receive distal cylindrical portion 284 of connector member 272 anddistal end 274 b of sleeve member 274 is configured to receive slidingand static portions 212, 232 of respective first and second framemembers 210, 230. As described above, sleeve member 274 defines notch275 a and first and second slots 275 b, 275 c. Notch 275 a is configuredto receive tab 268 b of connector member 272, first slot 275 b (FIG.36B) is configured to receive tab 296 of lock member 290, and secondslot 275 c is configured to receive locking flange 286 c of connectormember 272.

Still referring to FIG. 31, articulation link 276 defines an elongated,substantially planar body having proximal and distal ends 276 a, 276 b.Each of proximal and distal ends 276 a, 276 b of articulation link 276defines a slot 277 a, 277 b, respectively. As described above, proximalslot 277 a of articulation link 276 is configured to receive hook 148(FIG. 10) formed in distal end 136 b of articulation linkage 136 ofarticulation assembly 130, and distal slot 277 b of articulation link276 is configured to receive protrusion 286 a formed on distalcylindrical portion 284 of connector member 272. Articulation link 276further defines a central slot 277 c configured to receive tab 296 oflock member 290. Articulation link 276 operates to connect slidingportion 212 of first frame member 210 with articulation assembly 130 ofactuation unit 100.

With reference still to FIG. 31, connection link 278 of connectionassembly 270 defines an elongated, substantially planar body havingproximal and distal ends 278 a, 278 b. Each of proximal and distal ends278 a, 278 b defines a slot 279 a, 279 b, respectively. As noted above,proximal slot 279 a is configured to receive protrusion 286 a formed ondistal cylindrical portion 284 of connector member 272 and distal slot279 b is configured to receive protrusion 224 (FIG. 25A) extending fromsliding portion 212 of first frame member 210. Connection link 278operates to secure static portion 232 (FIG. 25A) of second frame member230 to connector member 272.

With reference now to FIG. 34, lock member 290 includes a C-shaped bodyportion 292 configured to engage sleeve member 274 (FIG. 24) ofconnector assembly 270, a handle portion 294 configured for operableengagement by a user, and tab 296 extending from C-shaped body portion292. As set forth above, tab 296 is configured to be received throughslot 275 b (FIG. 31) formed in sleeve member 274, through slot 276 c(FIG. 31) formed in articulation link 276, through slot 285 (FIG. 32A)formed in distal cylindrical portion 284 of connector member 272, andinto annular recess 261 (FIG. 24) formed in proximal shaft portion 268 aof actuator shaft 262.

As described above, actuation unit 100 (FIG. 1) and mesh deployment unit200 (FIG. 1) are configured to be provided to a clinician as separatecomponents. With reference to FIGS. 35A and 35B, actuation unit 100 isprovided to a clinician in a first or locked configuration. In thelocked configuration, shipping lock 170 is operably received betweenhousing 112 of base assembly 110 and deployment handle 152 of deploymentassembly 150. Circular flange 174 (FIG. 17A) of shipping lock 170engages sleeve 182 of connection assembly 180 and ends 174 a (FIG. 17A)of circular flange 174 are received within slots 155 b (FIG. 16C) formedin extension 156 of deployment handle 152. In addition, tab 176 ofshipping lock 170 is received through third slot 187 of sleeve 182 andinto enlarged portion 135 a of longitudinal slot 135 formed inarticulation rod 134 of articulation assembly 130. In the lockedconfiguration, each of articulation assembly 130 and deployment assembly150 is fixed relative to housing 112 of base assembly 110, therebypreventing inadvertent articulation or release of mesh deployment unit200 prior to attachment of mesh deployment unit 200 with actuation unit100.

With reference now to FIGS. 36A and 36B, mesh deployment unit 200 may beprovided to a clinician in a first or locked configuration. In thelocked configuration, frame assembly 202 is in an open configuration. Tomaintain frame assembly 202 in the open position, lock member 290operably engages shaft assembly 204 of mesh deployment unit 200. Moreparticularly, C-shaped body portion 292 (FIG. 34) of lock member 290engages sleeve member 274 of connector assembly 270, and tab 296 of lockmember 290 extends through slot 275 b formed in sleeve member 274,through slot 276 c formed in articulation link 276, through slot 285formed in distal cylindrical portion 284 of connector member 272, andinto annular recess 261 formed in proximal shaft portion 268 a ofactuator shaft 262. In the locked configuration, each of actuatorassembly 260 and articulation link 276 are fixed relative to connectormember 272, thereby preventing inadvertent articulation and/or collapseof frame assembly 202 and/or release of mesh “M” from frame assembly 202during shipping and handling of mesh deployment unit 200, and prior toattachment of mesh deployment unit 200 to actuation unit 100.

As noted above, it is envisioned that frame assembly 202 will beprovided to a clinician in the open position with mesh “M” pre-attachedthereto. The mesh “M” may be attached to frame assembly 202 in a cleanroom, whereafter frame assembly 202 and mesh “M” are hermetically sealedfor packaging and shipping. Pre-attaching mesh “M” to frame assembly 202prior to shipment prevents a clinician from having to perform the taskduring a surgical procedure, thereby reducing operating time. Byrelieving the clinician from the task of attaching mesh “M” to frameassembly 202, any potential damage that may occur to mesh “M” duringattachment is eliminated.

In addition, a mesh attachment device is no longer required by theclinician to attach mesh “M” to frame assembly 202. Pre-attaching mesh“M” to frame assembly 202 also reduces the number of sharps within theoperating room, thereby reducing the likelihood of the clinician andother personnel from being stuck by a sharp while attaching mesh “M” toframe assembly 202.

The attachment of mesh deployment unit 200 to actuation unit 100 willnow be described in detail with respect to FIGS. 37A-40. With referenceto FIGS. 37A-37C, extension 280 a formed on proximal cylindrical portion280 of connector member 272 is aligned with cutout 195 formed in distalend 184 b of connection member 184 of connection assembly 180. Turningto FIGS. 38 and 38A, each of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 37A) andactuation unit 100 (FIG. 37A) are configured such that receipt ofextension 280 a of connector member 272 within cutout 195 of connectionmember 184 causes receipt of cylindrical head portion 269 a, andextension portion 269 b formed on proximal end 262 a of actuator shaft262, within respective first and second annular recesses 157 a, 157 bformed in distal end 154 b of deployment rod 154 through cutouts 159 a,159 b (FIG. 15B), thereby connecting actuator shaft 262 with deploymentrod 154. Receipt of extension 280 a of connector member 272 withincutout 195 of connection member 184 further causes receipt of hook 148formed on distal end 136 b of articulation linkage 136 within proximalslot 277 a formed in proximal end 276 a of articulation link 276,thereby connecting articulation linkage 136 with articulation link 276.

Turning now to FIGS. 39 and 40, subsequent to engagement of connectormember 272 with connection member 184, retaining sleeve 186 is advanceddistally, as indicated by arrows “B” (FIG. 39), over cylindricalproximal portion 280 of connector member 272 to secure mesh deploymentunit 200 with actuation unit 100. In particular, when sufficient axialforce is applied to retaining sleeve 186 resulting in a radially inwardforce on retaining feature 198, retaining feature 198 flexes inwardlysuch that lip 198 a disengages distal end 186 b of retaining sleeve 186.Retaining sleeve 186 is then advanced over cylindrical proximal portion280 of connector member 276 and abuts frustoconical portion 282 ofconnector member 272.

With reference to FIG. 40, in the fully advance position, retainingfeatures 196 flex radially outward such that lips 196 a formed onretaining features 196 engage proximal end 186 a of retaining sleeve186. In this manner, mesh deployment unit 200 is fixedly secured toactuation unit 100. As noted above, retaining features 196 may providean audible and/or tactile feedback to the clinician signaling retainingsleeve 186 is locked in position.

Mesh deployment unit 200 may be detached from actuation unit 100 bysliding retaining sleeve 186 distally from about cylindrical proximalportion 280 of connector member 276. In particular, when a forcesufficient to overcome the bias of retaining features 196 is applied toretaining sleeve 186 in a proximal direction, retaining features 196flex radially inward, thereby causing lips 196 a of retaining features196 to disengage proximal end 186 a of retaining sleeve 186.Alternatively, retaining features 196 may be manually flexed radiallyinward to permit the proximal sliding of retaining sleeve 186.

Turning now to FIG. 41, upon attachment and securement of meshdeployment unit 200 with actuation unit 100, shipping lock 170 isdisengaged from actuation unit 100 and lock member 290 is disengagedfrom mesh deployment unit 200. Once shipping lock 170 and lock member290 are removed, mesh deployment device 10 is operational. Moreparticularly, deployment handle 152 of deployment assembly 150 is freeto slide distally along sleeve 182 of connection assembly 180 to causethe closing or collapsing, and subsequently, is free to return to theinitial position to cause opening or deployment of frame assembly 202.Articulation handle 132 of articulation assembly 130 is also free torotate to cause the articulation of frame assembly 202.

With additional reference now to FIG. 42, deployment handle 152 ofdeployment assembly 150 is advanced distally relative to base assembly110 along sleeve 182, as indicated by arrows “C”, to causes actuatorshaft 262 of actuator assembly 260 to advance distally. As actuatorshaft 262 is advanced distally, end portions 222, 242 of respectivefirst and second frame members 210, 230, respectively, are advanceddistally.

Living hinges 214 a, 216 a, 218 a, 220 a formed between connectorportion 214 and proximal link portion 216, between proximal link portion216 and attachment portion 218, between attachment portion 218 anddistal link portion 220, and between distal link portion 220 and endportion 222, respectively, of first frame member 210 and living hinges234 a, 236 a, 238 a, 240 a formed between connector portion 234 andproximal link portion 236, between proximal link portion 236 andattachment portion 238, between attachment portion 238 and distal linkportion 240, and between distal link portion 240 and end portion 242,respectively, of second frame member 230 facilitate the collapse offrame assembly 202 to the closed configuration (FIG. 42) as actuatorshaft 262 is advanced distally. In this manner, frame assembly 202 movesfrom the open configuration (FIG. 41) to the collapsed configuration.

In the collapsed condition, mesh deployment unit 200 is configured forinsertion into a body cavity. Mesh deployment unit 200 may be inserteddirectly through an incision, or alternatively, an access device mayfacilitate insertion of mesh deployment unit 200 into a body cavity. Forexample, a furling tube, as described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.8,317,808, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety, may be used to facilitate insertion of mesh deploymentunit 200 into a body cavity. It is envisioned that mesh “M” may bewrapped about collapsed frame assembly 202 to facilitate insertion ofmesh deployment unit 200 through the incision (not shown) or through anopening in the access port (not shown).

Once mesh deployment unit 200 has been received within a body cavity,deployment handle 152 of deployment assembly 150 may be retracted to theoriginal position (FIG. 41) to cause the opening/deployment of frameassembly 202.

With reference now to FIG. 43A, articulation assembly 130 may beactuated prior to or following the deployment of frame assembly 202 tofacilitate the proper positioning of frame assembly 202. As shown inFIG. 43A, rotation of articulation handle 132 about longitudinal axis“x” in a first direction, as indicated by arrow “D” causes advancementof articulation rod 134 and articulation linkage 136 relative toarticulation handle 132, as indicated by arrow “E”. Rotation ofarticulation handle 132 about longitudinal axis “x” in a seconddirection, as indicated by arrow “F”, causes retraction of articulationrod 134 and articulation linkage 136 relative to articulation handle132, as indicated by arrow “G”.

With reference now to FIGS. 43A and 43B, first frame member 210 isoperably connected to articulation rod 134 and articulation linkage 136of articulation assembly 130 by articulation link 276 and second framemember 230 is fixedly secured to connector member 284 by connection link278. As discussed above, rotation of articulation handle 132 ofarticulation assembly 130 causes longitudinal translation ofarticulation rod 134. As described above, connection portions 214, 234of first and second frame members 210, 230, respectively, are fixedlysecured relative to each other. In this manner, advancement of slidingportion 212 of first frame member 210 relative to static portion 232 ofsecond frame member 230 causes connection portions 214, 234 ofrespective first and second frame members 210, 230 to pivot about firstliving hinges 212 a, 232 b, respectively, relative to sliding and staticportions 212, 232, respectively, in a first direction, as indicated byarrow “H”. Conversely, with reference to FIG. 43C, retraction of slidingportion 212 of first frame member 210 relative to static portion 232 ofsecond frame member 230 causes connection portions 214, 234 ofrespective first and second frame members 210, 230 to pivot about firstliving hinges 212 a, 232 a, respectively, relative to sliding and staticportions 212, 232, respectively, in a second direction, as indicated byarrow “J”.

The release of mesh “M” from frame assembly 202 will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 44-53. Referring initially to FIGS. 44-48B, asset forth above, deployment assembly 150 is operably connected toactuator assembly 260. More particularly, distal end 154 b of deploymentrod 154 of deployment assembly 150 is secured to proximal end 262 a ofactuator shaft 262 of actuator assembly 260. As also described above,upon completion of the deployment stroke of deployment assembly 150which returns frame assembly 202 to an open condition (FIG. 41) from thecollapsed condition (FIG. 42), second pin 266 b extending through distalshaft portion 268 c of actuator shaft 262 engages cam slider 264 whichis slidably received within cutouts 213 b (FIG. 25B), 233 b (FIG. 25C)formed in respective first and second frame members 210, 230. Deploymenthandle 152 is prevent from further proximal retraction by engagement ofextension 156 of deployment handle 152 with body portion 114 b oflocking member 114 of base assembly 110 (see FIG. 48B).

Turning now to FIGS. 48C-51, locking member 114 of base assembly 110 isthen rotated in a first direction about longitudinal axis “x”, asindicated by arrow “K”, to unlock actuation unit 100. As noted above,rotation of locking member 114 within recess 115 of housing 112 of baseassembly 110 causes gap 123 formed between ends 122 a of body portion114 of locking member 114 to align with outer edges of slots 121 a, 121c (FIG. 8) of housing 112. In this manner, locking member 114 no longerobstructs the passage of extension 156 of deployment handle 152 throughopening 111 a in housing 112. In this manner, deployment handle 152 maybe retracted proximally relative to housing 112 to cause the release ofmesh “M” from frame assembly 202.

Prior to release of mesh “M” from frame assembly 202, once mesh “M” isproperly positioned adjacent a target area (not shown), a clinician willtack, suture or otherwise affix mesh “M” to the target area.

With reference now to FIGS. 52-54, the movement of locking member 114 tothe unlocked position enables extension 156 of deployment handle 152 tobe retracted within housing 112, thereby permitting additionalretraction of deployment handle 152 relative to housing 112. Theadditional retraction of deployment handle 152 causes additionalretraction of actuator shaft 262. As noted above, subsequent to thedeployment stroke of deployment assembly 150, second pin 266 b extendingfrom actuator shaft 262 is in engagement with cam slider 264. Additionalretraction of actuator shaft 262 causes cam slider to move proximallythrough cutouts 213 b, 233 b of first and second frame members 210, 230,respectively. As described above, a pair of wires “W1”, “W2” isconnected to cam slider 264 by a pair of crimped anchors 267 b (FIG.30). Wires “W1”, “W2” extend from cam slider 264 through respectiveconnector portions 214, 234, through respective proximal linkage portion216, 236, into respective attachment portions 218, 238 of first andsecond frame members 210, 230, respectively, and are attached toproximal ends 252 a of release links 252 received within respectivefirst and second attachment portions 218,238. Proximal movement of camslider 264 causes retraction on wires “W1”, “W2”.

With reference now to FIGS. 55 and 56, the operation of mesh releaseassembly 250 will be described with reference to attachment portion 218of first frame member 210. As discussed above, release assembly 250,mounted within attachment portion 238 of second frame member 230, is amirror image of release assembly 250 mounted within attachment portion218, and therefore operates in the same or similar manner.

As shown in FIG. 55, clip members 254 are in the closed position. In theclosed position, flange portions 254 a of clip members 254 are receivedwithin arcuate slots 251 b formed in attachment portion 218 of firstframe assembly 210, thereby securing mesh “M” to frame attachmentportion 218. When in the closed position, release link 252 of attachmentassembly 250 is in a distal-most position within longitudinal recess 251formed in attachment portion 218 of first frame assembly 210. Asdescribed above, distal ramp 253 b engages rounded distal end 252 b ofrelease link 252 to selectively retain release link 252 in thedistal-most position, thereby ensuring clip members 254 are maintainedin the closed position. As discussed above, wire “W1” is connected to aproximal end 252 a of release link 252.

Retraction of wire “W1” with sufficient force to cause the disengagementof rounded distal end 252 b of release link 252 from distal ramp 253 b,results in proximal movement of release link 252 within longitudinalrecess 251, as indicated by arrow “K” (FIG. 56). The proximal movementof release link 252 within longitudinal recess 251 causes clip members254 to move from the closed position (FIG. 55) to the open position(FIG. 56). More particularly, the positioning of protrusions 258 aformed on release link 252 within slots 255 b formed in clip members 254are such that proximal movement of release link 252 causes clip members254 to pivot about protrusions 258 b extending from cap member 256 intoopenings 251 c in attachment portion 218. Pivoting of clip members 254about protrusions 258 b results in flange portion 254 b of clip members254 being retracted from within arcuate slots 251 c. Retraction offlange portions 254 b from within arcuate slots 251 c causes flangeportions 254 b to disengage mesh “M”, thereby resulting in the releaseof mesh “M”.

Proximal ramp 253 a of attachment portion 218 of first frame member 210,extending into longitudinal recess 251 of attachment portion 218 offirst frame member 210, is configured to engage rounded proximal end 252a of release link 252 when release link 252 as moved to theproximal-most position (FIG. 56). In this manner, release link 252 isprevented from inadvertently moving in a distal direction, therebypreventing clip members 254 from returning to the closed position. (FIG.55).

Once mesh “M” is released from frame assembly 202, deployment handle 152of deployment assembly 150 is advanced distally to cause the collapse offrame assembly 202 thereby facilitating removal of mesh deployment unit200 from within the body cavity. Used mesh deployment unit 200 may thenbe detached from actuation unit 100 in the manner described above. It isenvisioned that actuation unit 100 may be returned to an initialconfiguration to permit attachment of a second or subsequent meshdeployment unit(s) (not shown) to actuation unit 100.

Multiple mesh deployment units 200 may be provided to a clinician as akit. The kit may include mesh deployment units having the same and/ordifferent mesh “M” attached thereto. The pre-attached meshes provided inthe kit may differ in size, shape, composition, etc. It is envisionedthat the kit may be provided with an actuation unit 100.

With reference now to FIGS. 57 and 58, an attachment assembly accordingto an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is showngenerally as release assembly 250′. Release assembly 250′ issubstantially similar to release assembly 250 and will only be describedas relates to the differences therebetween.

Release assembly 250′ is mounted within a connection portion 216′ offirst frame member 210. Release assembly 250′ includes a release link252′, a pair of clip members 254′, a connector rod 256′, an engagementmember 258′, and a lock member 260′. Clip members 254′ include a baseportion 254 a′ and a flange portion 254 b′. Base portions 254 a′ of clipmembers 254′ are pivotally secured to release link 252′. Longitudinaltranslation of release link 252′ within attachment portion 216 of firstframe portion 210 causes clip members 254′ to move between an openposition (FIG. 57) and a closed position (FIG. 58). A proximal end 252a′ of release link 252′ is affixed to distal end 256 b′ of connector rod256′. A proximal end 256 a′ of connector rod 256′ is connected toengagement member 258′. Engagement member 258′ is slidably mountedwithin attachment portion 216 of first frame portion 210 and isconfigured for operable engagement by a user. Lock member 290′ isconfigured to engage connector rod 256′ to retain release link 252′ inits distal most position, thereby maintaining clip members 254′ in theopen position (FIG. 57).

Once lock member 290′ is disengaged from connector rod 256′, distaladvancement of engagement member 258′ relative to attachment portion 216of first frame member 210, as indicated by arrow “N” in FIG. 57, causesdistal advancement of release link 252′. Distal advancement of releaselink 252′ may be provided by a spring member (not shown). When releaselink 252′ is in a distal-most position (FIG. 58), clip members 254′ arein the closed position. Proximal retraction of engagement member 258′relative to attachment portion 216′ of first frame member 210′, asindicated by arrow “P” in FIG. 58, causes proximal retraction of releaselink 252′. When release link 252′ is in a proximal-most position (FIG.57), clip members 254′ are in the closed position.

With reference now to FIGS. 59-70, an actuation unit according to analternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generally asactuation unit 300. Actuation unit 300 is similar to actuation unit 100described hereinabove and will therefore only be described in detail tothe differences therebetween. Although actuation unit 300 will bedescribed as relates to actuating mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 23), itis understood that aspects of actuation unit 300 may be modified for usewith alternative mesh deployment units (not shown).

Referring initially to FIGS. 59-61, actuation unit 300 includes a handleassembly 302 and a shaft assembly 304 extending from handle assembly302. Handle assembly 302 includes a base assembly 310, an articulationassembly 330, and a deployment assembly 350.

With continued reference to FIGS. 59-61, base assembly 310 includes ahousing 312, a safety switch or locking member 314 rotatably receivedwithin housing 312, and a trigger member 320 slidably mounted to housing312. Housing 312 is formed of first and second housing halves 316, 318.First housing half 316 defines an opening 317 for operably receiving anengagement portion 314 b of safety switch 314. As will be described infurther detail below, safety switch 314 is biased to a first position(FIG. 67) by a first spring 322. Second housing half 318 defines anopening 319 (FIG. 64) for operably receiving an engagement portion 320 aof trigger member 320. As will also be described in further detailbelow, trigger member 320 is biased to a distal position by a secondspring 324 (FIG. 60).

With particular reference to FIG. 60, articulation assembly 330 includesan articulation handle 332, an articulation rod 334, an articulationlinkage 336, and an articulation ratchet 338. Articulation ratchet 338is configured to provide a user with tactile and/or audible indicationof articulation of frame assembly 202 (FIG. 23) of mesh deployment unit200 (FIG. 23) and operates to secure frame assembly 202 in variouspositions relative to shaft assembly 202 of mesh deployment unit 200,e.g., first or second articulated positions (FIGS. 43B and 43C).

Turning to FIGS. 62 and 63, articulation ratchet 338 is mounted withinhousing 312 of housing assembly 310 about a gear portion 332 a ofarticulation handle 332. One or more protrusions 338 a on articulationratchet 338 engage teeth 332 b of gear portion 332 a. As articulationhandle 332 is rotated, engagement of protrusions 338 of articulationratchet 338 with teeth 332 b of gear portion 332 a of articulationhandle 332 provides tactile and/or audible indication, e.g., resistanceand/or a clicking sound, to the user. Each time the user encountersresistance and/or hears a clicking sound while turning articulationhandle 332, the user is signaled that articulation rod 334 is beingmoved relative to articulation handle 332, and, frame assembly 202 (FIG.23) of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 23) is being articulated relativeto shaft assembly 204 (FIG. 23) of mesh deployment unit 200.

It is envisioned that the teeth 332 b of geared portion 332 a ofarticulation handle 332 may be configured such that each time a tooth332 b disengages protrusion 338, the tactile and/or audible indicationsignals to the user that frame assembly 202 (FIG. 23) of mesh deploymentunit 200 (FIG. 23) has been articulated relative to shaft assembly 204(FIG. 23) of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 23) a set number of degrees.In this manner, after a set number of indications (tactile and/oraudible), the user is able to determine the degree of articulation offrame assembly 202 (FIG. 23) relative to shaft assembly 204 (FIG. 23)without having to view frame assembly 202. It is also envisioned thatteeth 332 b of gear portion 332 a and/or protrusions 338 a ofarticulation ratchet 338 may be configured to make a first sound whenarticulation handle 332 is turned in a first direction, and a second,different sound when articulation handle 332 is turned in the seconddirection.

With reference still to FIG. 60, deployment assembly 350 of actuationunit 300 includes a deployment handle 352 and a deployment rod 354.Deployment assembly 350 is configured for deploying frame assembly 202(FIG. 23) of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 23). Deployment handle 352includes an extension 356 defining a slotted opening 355 for selectivelyreceiving a bent portion 354 a of deployment rod 354.

Shaft assembly 304 of actuation unit 300 includes a connection assembly380 having a sleeve 382, a connection member 384, and a retaining sleeve386. Connection assembly 380 is configured for selectively securing meshdeployment unit 200 (FIG. 23) to shaft assembly 204 (FIG. 23).

The operation of actuation unit 300, and safety switch 314, inparticular, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 64-70.Attachment of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 1) to actuation unit 300and the initial operation of actuation unit 300 are substantiallysimilar to the attachment of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 1) toactuation unit 100 (FIG. 1) and the initial operation of actuation unit100 described hereinabove. Briefly, once mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG.23) is attached to actuation unit 300 in a manner similar to thatdescribed above with regards to the attachment of mesh deployment unit200 (FIG. 1) to actuation unit 100 (FIG. 1), and lock member 290 (FIG.23) of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 23) is separated from shaftassembly 204 (FIG. 23) of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 23), frameassembly 202 (FIG. 23) of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 23) iscollapsed by advancing deployment handle 352 of deployment assembly 350along shaft assembly 304 of actuation unit 300. Mesh deployment unit 300may then be positioned within a body cavity (not shown) of a patient(not shown). Once positioned in a desired location, frame assembly 202(FIG. 23) of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 23) is expanded byretracting deployment handle 352 to its initial position. Frame assembly202 (FIG. 23) of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 23) may be articulatedrelative to shaft assembly 304 of actuation unit 300 by rotatingarticulation handle 332 of articulation assembly 330.

Referring initially to FIGS. 64-68, safety switch 314 of actuation unit300 is pivotally received within housing 312 of base assembly 310 and isbiased to a first position by first spring 322. When in the firstposition, a tab 326 formed on safety switch 314 engages trigger member320 to prevent trigger member 320 from moving proximally. Retraction ofdeployment handle 352 of deployment assembly 350 positions bent portion354 a of deployment rod 354 within a slot 321 (FIG. 66) formed in safetyswitch 314 and aligns bent portion 354 a of deployment rod 354 with aslot 323 (FIG. 67) formed in trigger member 320.

Turning now to FIGS. 69 and 70, safety switch 314 is pivoted against thebias of first spring 322 (FIG. 65), as indicated by arrow “Q”, to asecond position. Pivoting of safety switch 314 causes bent portion 354 aof deployment rod 354 to move from within slotted opening 355 (FIG. 60)of extension 356 (FIG. 60) of deployment handle 352 and into slot 323formed in trigger member 320 such that deployment rod 354 engagestrigger member 320 and no longer engages extension 356 of deploymenthandle 352. Pivoting of safety switch 314 also disengages tab 326 ofsafety switch 314 from trigger member 320, thereby unlocking triggermember 320. Pivoting of safety switch 314 further causes receipt of aflange 328 of safety switch 314 within an opening 357 formed inextension 356 of deployment handle 352. Receipt of flange 328 in opening357 prevents deployment handle 352 from advancing while safety switch314 is in the second position.

When safety switch 314 is in the second position, trigger member 320 canbe moved proximally, i.e., retracted, as indicated by arrow “R” in FIG.61, against the bias of second spring 324. Retraction of trigger member320 moves deployment rod 354 in the proximal direction to causedeployment of mesh “M” (FIG. 1) from frame assembly 202 (FIG. 1) of meshdeployment unit 200 (FIG. 1) as described hereinabove. Trigger member320 may include a flange 329 that is received within slot 321 of safetyswitch 314 as trigger member 320 is retracted to prevent safety switch314 from pivoting back to the first position while trigger member 320 isin the retracted position.

In some embodiments, and as shown, safety switch 314 and trigger member320 are positioned for one-handed operation. Specifically, safety switch314 is pivotable to the second position by a thumb of the user andtrigger member 320 is retractable using one or more of the fingers ofthe same hand of the user.

Following deployment of mesh “M” (FIG. 1) from mesh deployment unit 200(FIG. 1), trigger member 320 is released and returns to its initialposition by the bias of second spring 324 (FIG. 66). Upon return oftrigger member 320 to its initial position bent portion 354 a ofdeployment rod 354 is received back with slot 321 of safety switch 321and is realigned with slotted opening 355 in extension 356 of deploymenthandle 352. The return of trigger member 320 to its initial positionalso withdraws flange 329 of trigger member 320 from within slot 321 ofsafety switch 314 to allow the return of safety switch 314 to itsinitial position (FIG. 67).

Safety switch 314 may then be released and returns to the first positionby the bias of first spring 322 (FIG. 65). As safety switch 314 pivotsback to the first position, bent portion 354 a of deployment rod 354 ispivoted from within slot 323 of trigger member 320 and into slottedopening 355 in extension 356 of deployment handle 352, therebydisengaging deployment rod 354 from trigger member 320 and reengagingdeployment rod 354 with extension 356 of deployment handle 352. Pivotingof safety switch 314 back to the first position also withdraws flange328 of safety switch 314 from within opening 357 in extension 356 ofdeployment handle 352 to unlock deployment handle 352. Further, pivotingof safety switch 314 back to the first position reengages tab 326 ofsafety switch 314 with trigger member 320 to prevent trigger member 320from proximal movement.

Following return of trigger member 320 to its initial position andreturn of safety switch 314 to its original position, deployment handle352 of deployment assembly 350 may be advanced along shaft assembly 304to collapse frame assembly 202 (FIG. 1) of mesh deployment unit 200(FIG. 1) to permit removal of mesh deployment unit 200 (FIG. 1) fromwithin the body cavity (not shown) of a patient (not shown).

With reference now to FIGS. 79-81, a mesh deployment unit according toan alternative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown generallyas mesh deployment unit 400. Mesh deployment unit 400 is substantiallysimilar to mesh deployment unit 200 described hereinabove and willtherefore only be described in detail to the differences therebetween.

With initial reference to FIG. 71, mesh deployment unit 400 includes aframe assembly 402 and a shaft assembly 404. Shaft assembly 402 includesa connector assembly 470 and a lock member 490.

Turning to FIGS. 72 and 73, lock member 490 includes a C-shaped bodyportion 492 configured to engage sleeve member 474 of connector assembly470, a handle portion 494 configured for operable engagement by a user,and a tab 496 extending from C-shaped body portion 492 configured tolock mesh deployment unit 400 prior to use. As will be described infurther detail below, tab 496 includes a notched portion 495 forselective engagement by a lockout member 476 of connector assembly 470.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 74-76, connector assembly 470 ofmesh deployment unit 400 includes a connector member 472, a sleevemember 474, a lockout member 476, and a linear actuator 478. Connectormember 472 includes a proximal cylindrical portion 472 a, afrustoconical portion 472 b, and a distal cylindrical portion 472 c.Each of distal cylindrical portion 472 c of connector member 472 andsleeve member 474 defines an opening 471 a, 471 b (FIG. 76),respectively, for selectively receiving tab 496 (FIG. 76) of lock member490 when C-shaped body portion 492 of lock member 490 engages sleevemember 474. As will be described in further detail below, lockout member476 is slidably received within a slot 473 a formed in cylindricaldistal portion 472 c of connector member 472, and linear actuator 478 isslidably received with a slot 473 b formed in proximal cylindricalportion 472 a, extending through frustoconical portion 472 b, and intodistal cylindrical portion 472 c of connector member 472.

Lockout member 476 defines an elongate planar body having proximal anddistal ends 476 a, 476 b. Proximal end 476 a of lockout member 476defines a notch 475 for receiving a flange 478 b of linear actuator 478.Distal end 476 b of lockout member 476 defines a slot 477 having a firstportion 477 a and an enlarged second portion 477 b. As will be describedin further detail below, first portion 477 a of slot 477 is sized toreceive notched portion 495 of tab 496 of lock member 490 to secure lockmember 490 to shaft assembly 404 of mesh deployment unit 400 and secondportion 477 b of slot 477 is sized to receive tab 496 of lock member 490to permit separation of lock member 490 from shaft assembly 404 of meshdeployment unit 400. Lockout member 476 is moveable between a first orproximal position (FIG. 74) in which first portion 477 a of slot 477 isreceived about notched portion 495 of tab 496 of lock member 490 and asecond or distal position (FIG. 77) in which second portion 477 b ofslot 477 is received about tab 496 of lock member 490.

Linear actuator 478 includes an engagement portion 478 a, a flange 478b, and a retaining portion 478 c. Linear actuator 478 is received withinslot 473 b in connector member 472 and is moveable from a first orproximal position (FIG. 74) corresponding to the first or proximalposition of lockout member 476 to a second or distal position (FIG. 77)corresponding to the second or distal position of lockout member 476.Linear actuator is biased to the proximal position by a spring 480 (FIG.74) received within distal cylindrical portion 472 c of connector member472.

With continued reference to FIGS. 74-76, during assembly of meshdeployment unit 400 and after attachment of mesh “M” (FIG. 1) to frameassembly 402, lock member 490 of mesh deployment unit 400 is secured toshaft assembly 404 of mesh deployment unit 400 to lock frame assembly402 in the expanded condition. In particular, lockout member 476 ismoved to the distal position (FIG. 78) to align second portion 477 b ofslot 477 in lockout member 476 with openings 471 a, 471 b (FIG. 76) inconnector member 472 and sleeve member 474 to permit receipt of tab 496of lock member 490 through openings 471 a, 471 b and second portion 477b of slot 477. Connector assembly 470 and lock member 490 are configuredsuch that notched portion 495 of tab 496 of lock member 490 is alignedwith lockout member 476 when tab 496 is fully received within openings471 a, 471 b and C-shaped body portion 492 of lock member 490 engagessleeve member 474. Movement of lockout member 476 to the proximalposition, manually or through operation of linear actuator 478 andspring 480, causes first portion 477 a of slot 477 in lockout member 476to be received about notched portion 495 of tab 496 of lock member 490.In this manner, lockout member 476 engages tab 496 of lock member 490and secures lock member 490 to shaft assembly 404 of mesh deploymentunit 400. Lockout member 476 is maintained in the proximal positionthrough the bias of spring 480 against linear actuator 478.

The attachment of mesh deployment unit 400 to actuator assembly 100, 300is substantially similar to the attachment of mesh deployment unit 200to actuation unit 100, described hereinabove. Although mesh deploymentunit 400 may be attached and actuated by either of actuation units 100,300 described hereinabove, operation of mesh deployment unit 400, andconnector assembly 470, in particular, will be described with referenceto actuation unit 100.

Following engagement of shaft assembly 404 of mesh deployment unit 400with shaft assembly 104 (FIG. 39) of actuation unit 100, retainingsleeve 186 (FIG. 39) of connection assembly 170 (FIG. 39) of actuationunit 100 (FIG. 1) is advanced about proximal cylindrical portion 472 a(FIG. 75) of connector member 472 (FIG. 75) to secure mesh deploymentunit 400 (FIG. 75) to actuation unit 100 (FIG. 1).

With reference now to FIGS. 77-79, as retaining sleeve 186 (FIG. 39) isreceived about proximal cylindrical portion 472 a of connector member472, distal end 186 b of retaining sleeve 186 engages engagement portion478 a of linear actuator 478 and cause a linear actuator 478 to movedistally, as shown by arrow “S” in FIG. 77, against the bias of spring480, to the distal position. Distal movement of linear actuator 478causes lockout member 476 to move distally, as indicated by arrows “T”in FIG. 78. As lockout member 476 is moved to the distal position,second portion 477 b of slot 477 is positioned about notched portion 495of tab 496 of lock member 490 thereby disengaging lockout member 476from tab 496 of lock member 490. Once lockout member 476 is disengagedfrom tab 496 of lock member 490, lock member 490 may be separated fromshaft assembly 404 of mesh deployment unit 400 and mesh deployment unit400 may be used in the manner described hereinabove.

With reference now to FIGS. 80 and 81, first and second frame members410, 430 of frame assembly 402 of mesh deployment unit 400 aresubstantially similar to first and second frame members 210, 230 (FIG.24) of frame assembly 202 (FIG. 24). FIGS. 80 and 81 illustrate thedifferences between frame assembly 402 and frame assembly 202 (FIG. 24).

Actuator shaft 462 includes a proximal shaft portion 268 a, anintermediate shaft portion 468 b, and a distal shaft portion 468 c.Intermediate shaft portion 268 b is securely affixed between proximaland distal shaft portion 468 a. Each of proximal and distal shaftportions 468 a, 468 a are substantially rigid and include a rectangularcross-section. Each of static and sliding portions 412, 432 andconnector portions 414, 434 of respective first and second frame members410, 430 are configured to accommodate the rectangular cross-section ofrespective proximal and distal shaft portions 468 a, 468 b. Therectangular cross-section of proximal and distal shaft portions 468 a,468 c prevent twisting of first and second frame member 410, 430relative to each other during furling of mesh (not shown) about firstand second frame members 410, 430.

With particular reference to FIG. 81, connector portion 414 of firstframe member 410 includes tabs 413 and connector portion 434 of secondframe member 430 defines slots 433 configured to receive tabs 413 formedon connector portion 414. First frame 410 is secured to second frame 430by welding tabs 413 of connector portion 414 of first frame member 410within slots 433 of connector portion 434 of second frame member 430.Although not shown, it is envisioned that end portions 422 (FIG. 71) offirst frame member 410 may include tabs (not shown) that are weldedwithin slots (not shown) defined by end portion 442 of second framemember 430. Alternatively, the tabs may be formed on connector portion434 and end portion 442 of second frame member 430 and slots may beformed on connector portion 414 and end portion 422 of first from member410.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned thatthe elements and features illustrated or described in connection withone exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and featuresof another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features andadvantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments.Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has beenparticularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appendedclaims.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A method of deploying one or more surgical meshescomprising: providing an actuation unit; providing a mesh deploymentunit configured for selective connection to the actuation unit, the meshdeployment unit including a locking member for securing the meshdeployment unit in an expanded configuration; and connecting the meshdeployment unit to the actuation unit.
 24. The method of claim 23,further including securing the mesh deployment unit to the actuationunit.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein securing the mesh deploymentunit to the actuation unit includes advancing a retaining sleeve of theactuation unit into engagement with a linear actuator of the meshdeployment unit to cause the release of the locking member.
 26. Themethod of claim 25, wherein connecting the mesh deployment unit to theactuation unit includes connecting a connector member of the meshdeployment unit to a connection member of the actuation unit.
 27. Themethod of claim 25, further including separating the locking member fromthe mesh deployment unit.
 28. The method of claim 23, further includingseparating a shipping lock from the actuation unit.
 29. The method ofclaim 28, further including advancing a deployment handle of theactuation unit to collapse a frame assembly of the mesh deployment unit.30. The method of claim 29, further including inserting the frameassembly of the mesh deployment unit into a body cavity of a patient.31. The method of claim 29, further including retracting the deploymenthandle to expand the frame assembly of the mesh deployment unit.
 32. Themethod of claim 29, further including rotating an articulation knob ofthe actuation unit to cause articulation of the frame assembly relativeto the actuation unit.
 33. The method of claim 29, further includingreceiving the frame assembly of the mesh deployment unit in a furlingtube.
 34. The method of claim 29, further including actuating meshrelease assemblies supported within the frame assembly to cause therelease of a mesh from the mesh deployment unit.
 35. The method of claim34, wherein actuating the mesh release assemblies includes retracting atrigger of the actuation unit.
 36. The method of claim 32, furtherincluding securing a mesh to the frame assembly of the mesh deploymentunit.
 37. The method of claim 36, further including retracting a triggermember to release the mesh from the frame assembly.
 38. The method ofclaim 37, further including activating a safety switch to permitretraction of the trigger member.
 39. The method of claim 31, furtherincluding readvancing the deployment handle of the actuation unit tocollapse the frame assembly of the mesh deployment unit.
 40. A method ofdeploying one or more surgical meshes comprising: securing a meshdeployment unit to an actuation unit, the mesh deployment unit includinga mesh releasably affixed to a frame assembly and a locking member forsecuring the frame assembly in an expanded configuration; separating thelock member from the mesh deployment unit to permit collapse of theframe assembly; collapsing the frame assembly; inserting the collapsedframe assembly into a patient; expanding the frame assembly within apatient; and releasing the mesh from the frame assembly.